EFFURUN/Nigeria: The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, has reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, strategic communication and human capital development, while pledging to strengthen its collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Delta State Chapter.
The assurance was given by the Principal and Chief Executive of PTI, Engr. Dr. Samuel E. Onoji, when he received a delegation of the NIPR Delta State Chapter led by the Chapter Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, during a courtesy visit to his office in Effurun.
Dr. Onoji, who emphasized the critical role of effective communication in institutional growth and stakeholder engagement, commended the NIPR for its sustained contributions to the advancement of public relations practice in Nigeria.
He noted that strategic communication has become indispensable in modern institutions, serving as a vital tool for building public confidence, fostering stakeholder relations and promoting organizational achievements.
The PTI Chief Executive stressed the need for communication professionals to continually upgrade their skills and competencies in line with global best practices, technological advancements and emerging industry trends.
He also praised members of staff responsible for communication and public relations functions within the institute for their dedication and professionalism in projecting the image and accomplishments of PTI.
According to him, the institute remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote professionalism and capacity building among communication practitioners.
Earlier, the Secretary of the NIPR Delta State Chapter, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, who represented the Chapter Chairman, Mr. Godfrey Osakwe, FNIPR, expressed appreciation to the management of PTI for its longstanding support and cordial relationship with the institute.
Enebeli used the opportunity to enlighten the management team on the statutory responsibilities of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations as the regulatory body established to oversee public relations practice in Nigeria.
He explained that the institute, founded in 1963 and subsequently strengthened through legislation enacted by the National Assembly, is empowered to regulate, certify and monitor public relations practitioners in both public and private sector organizations.
According to him, the law requires individuals occupying public relations, corporate communications and information management positions to obtain professional certification from the institute.
He noted that the Federal Government places significant importance on the regulatory role of the NIPR, pointing out that the institute’s Governing Council comprises elected professionals and government-appointed representatives responsible for overseeing the profession nationwide.
The Chapter Secretary also highlighted the institute’s various certification and professional development programmes, including its Masterclass initiative, which provides practitioners from diverse academic backgrounds with opportunities to acquire the knowledge, skills and qualifications required for professional public relations practice.
He encouraged PTI personnel involved in communication-related functions to take advantage of the institute’s training opportunities and certification programmes to enhance their professional competence and career growth.
Enebeli further informed the Principal about the forthcoming 2026 Annual General Meeting and Public Lecture of the NIPR Delta State Chapter scheduled for June 24 and 25, 2026.
He explained that the first day of the event would be dedicated to training and certification programmes for members, while the second day would feature the Annual General Meeting and Public Lecture.
The NIPR Secretary also disclosed that Nigeria would later in the year host the World Public Relations Forum, an international gathering expected to attract public relations professionals, communication experts and industry leaders from more than 26 countries.
According to him, the forum would provide a unique opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, strengthen professional networks and demonstrate the country’s growing influence in the global communications industry.
He appealed to the PTI management to encourage staff participation in both the chapter’s programmes and the World Public Relations Forum, noting that such engagements would expose participants to emerging trends, innovative ideas and international best practices in strategic communication.
The visit ended on a cordial note with both organizations reaffirming their commitment to promoting professionalism, strategic communication excellence and continuous capacity development.
Members of the PTI management team present at the meeting included the Registrar, Mr. Isaac Fregene, and the Deputy Director, Public Affairs Department, Mr. Suleiman Zailani. Other members of the NIPR delegation were Barrister Larry Mogbeyiteren and Mrs. Francisca Okoro.
